In the middle of our week on the marks of a true Christian,

today we're looking at Paul's command to bless those who persecute you.

Truly blessing those around us that seem to be against us

is an incredible act of love,

producing fruit not only in the lives of others,

but in our lives as well. May God give us insight into his heart for this command today,

as well as the courage to live it out. Welcome to the First 15 podcast.

Our scripture for today comes from Romans 12 verse 14.

Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse them.

Think back on an unresolved conflict you've had. Maybe a friend, spouse, family member,

or coworker wronged you. Reflect on the anger, frustration, and sense of injustice you felt. Maybe you still feel those feelings today when you remember that situation.

Conflict without grace and forgiveness is like a small hole in the fabric of our emotions

that seems to tear larger and larger with every passing day.

The more we play the scenario over in our heads,

the worse it seems to get.

The feelings of unforgiveness and the need for fairness

carry with them an increasingly heavy burden.

And the Bible teaches us that unforgiveness and seeking fairness are weights we were never intended

to bear.

Jesus completely turned our system of fairness on its head.

In Luke 6, 27 through 31, he said, but I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you, to one who strikes you on the cheek,

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